Butterfly Photography by Jeff Zablow

Milbert’s Tortoiseshell Butterfly

This our 2nd of 2 posts of Milbert’s Tortoiseshell butterfly nectaring on a Teasel flower in Raccoon Creek State Park.

As with our other post of a Milbert’s Tortoiseshell, my adrenalin started pumping when I saw this one. Truth be told, I’ve seen 3 in the past 13 years. There….I said it. When and where we we meet again? Quien sabe?

Would you just look at the stark contrast between the subdued colors/patterns of the wing undersurfaces (ventral) and the dorsal (upper) side, almost ablaze with reds and oranges!

Nymphalis milberti takes it’s name from a Mr. Milbert. He too must have been astounded when he first came upon this wing-on-fire treat.

Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) is a heavy producer of nectar commonly seen along roadsides. It is a very popular nectar fountain. If you have considerable acreage, try and leave some stands of teasel undisturbed…it will summon winged beauties to your lot.